Erythromma viridulum (Charpentier, 1840)

The male 10th and last abdominal segment has a black “X-shaped” mark contrasting with the blue background. Segments from the 2^nd to the 8^th are black dorsally. Female 3-8 segments have green sides, while the preceding and next ones are green-blue colored. Compound eyes in males of E. viridulum are red, in females they are brown above, yellow-greenish below. Both sexes feature complete antehumeral stripes.

In flight from June to September, on average a bit later if compared to the more northern species E. najas. 

It can be found almost only on slightly submerged vegetation in still or slowly flowing waters. Rarely on the banks. It needs waters with abundant vegetation (almost forming a close cover). 

Holomediterranean and thermophilic species, it is spreading its range because of climate change. In the Cuneo region it is localized and not widespread, but it is extending its range here too, colonizing new sites.